EP3979028B1 - Method of operating an autonomous vehicle having independent auxiliary control unit - Google Patents
Method of operating an autonomous vehicle having independent auxiliary control unit Download PDFInfo
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- EP3979028B1 EP3979028B1 EP21210874.0A EP21210874A EP3979028B1 EP 3979028 B1 EP3979028 B1 EP 3979028B1 EP 21210874 A EP21210874 A EP 21210874A EP 3979028 B1 EP3979028 B1 EP 3979028B1
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Definitions
- an autonomous vehicle as set out in claim 13 that comprises the control system according to the second aspect.
- Other embodiments are described in the dependent claims. Examples described include an autonomous vehicle which includes multiple independent control systems that provide redundancy as to specific and critical safety situations which may be encountered when the autonomous vehicle is in operation.
- One or more aspects described herein provide that methods, techniques and actions performed by a computing device are performed programmatically, or as a computer-implemented method. Programmatically means through the use of code, or computer-executable instructions. A programmatically performed step may or may not be automatic.
- a programmatic module or component may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, a software component, or a hardware component capable of performing one or more stated tasks or functions.
- a module or component can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules or components.
- a module or component can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs or machines.
- one or more aspects described herein may be implemented through the use of instructions that are executable by one or more processors. These instructions may be carried on a computer-readable medium.
- Machines shown or described with figures below provide examples of processing resources and computer-readable mediums on which instructions for implementing some aspects can be carried and/or executed.
- the numerous machines shown in some examples include processor(s) and various forms of memory for holding data and instructions.
- Examples of computer-readable mediums include permanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers or servers.
- Other examples of computer storage mediums include portable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash or solid state memory (such as carried on many cell phones and consumer electronic devices) and magnetic memory.
- Computers, terminals, network enabled devices are all examples of machines and devices that utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums. Additionally, aspects may be implemented in the form of computer programs.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a control system for operating an autonomous vehicle.
- a control system 100 is used to autonomously operate a vehicle 10 in a given geographic region for a variety of purposes, including transport services (e.g., transport of humans, delivery operations, etc.).
- transport services e.g., transport of humans, delivery operations, etc.
- an autonomously driven vehicle can operate without human action which would otherwise operate the vehicle.
- an autonomously driven vehicle can steer, accelerate, shift, brake and operate lighting components.
- an autonomous-capable vehicle can be operated either autonomously or manually.
- the vehicle 10 includes multiple independent control systems to provide different levels of functionality and/or autonomy for the vehicle 10, based on existence or non-existence of predefined conditions or events.
- the vehicle 10 to include a primary control system (e.g., AV CCS 120) and one or more auxiliary control units (e.g., controllers 130, 132, 134).
- the auxiliary control unit(s) can have alternative operational modes or purpose.
- one or more auxiliary control units are operable in order to implement a failsafe or bypass of the primary control system.
- one or more auxiliary control units are operable in order to implement trajectory verification for the primary control system.
- the primary control system may provide input for the auxiliary control units, corresponding to any one or more of (i) a current location of the vehicle; (ii) multiple possible locations of the vehicle along a planned or projected location of the vehicle a short time in the future (e.g., 5-15 seconds in the future); (iii) a possible but improbable location of the vehicle in the future (e.g., failsafe trajectory locations as calculated by the primary control system); and/or (v) multiple possible locations of the vehicle as anticipated by the primary control system based on one or more possible conditions or events.
- the auxiliary control unit(s) may operate independently to process the alternative vehicle location input (including the vehicle's position at one or more points in time in the future) in order to determine whether the sensors utilized by that controller generate an alert (e.g., potential vehicle collision).
- the auxiliary control units may signal back a response that can be binary (e.g., alert/no alert).
- the auxiliary control unit(s) may signal back a response that can include a warning and/or data that identifies a hazard or potential hazard.
- the auxiliary control unit(s) may signal back an instruction or instructive action on a vehicle action, depending on whether the auxiliary control unit determines there exists a hazard (e.g., "brake moderately").
- one or more auxiliary control unit When operated to implement a bypass or failsafe operation, one or more auxiliary control unit may be configured to provide an avoidance or mitigation vehicle response to one or more predefined conditions or events.
- the particular predefined conditions or events can correspond to predefined conditions or events which reflect an imminent safety concern.
- a corresponding auxiliary control unit may determine the vehicle response, independent of the control system of the autonomous vehicle.
- FIG. 1 provides for multiple independent control systems which provide redundancy for specific events or conditions which may impact the safety of passengers or persons nearby.
- the control system 100 of the vehicle 10 includes an autonomous vehicle (AV) control sub-system 120, and one or more auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134.
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 may operate independently of the AV control sub-system 120 and of each other.
- the control units 130, 132, 134 can correspond to modularized functionality (e.g., pre-packaged) that serves to provide a vehicle response output 137 that corresponds to a predefined vehicle response action in the event that a predetermined condition or event is detected by the respective control unit.
- the AV control sub-system 120 may continuously calculate one or more trajectories 153, and then communicate data about one or more planned trajectories ("trajectory data 155") to at least one control unit 130, 132, 134.
- the trajectory data 155 may include future (e.g., 1 second ahead, 5 seconds ahead) location points of the vehicle 10 along the planned trajectory.
- the control units 130, 132, 134 may utilize the trajectory data 155 to determine an anticipated vehicle response output 137.
- the anticipated vehicle response output 137 is communicated to the AV control subsystem 120, which then processes the output to verify or select a primary trajectory of the vehicle 10.
- the vehicle response output 137 can be received and processed by the AV control sub-system 120 as a priority input, so as, for example, to supersede a determination of the AV control sub-system 120 that the planned trajectory 153 (e.g., path of vehicle for 5-15 seconds in the future) is safe.
- the vehicle response output 137 can be received and processed by the AV control sub-system 120 to weight factors for or against the selection of a planned trajectory 153 as being the safest.
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 may determine the vehicle response output 137 based on sensor data generated from sensors 131, 133, 135 that are used by the respective sensors 131, 133, 135 control units.
- the vehicle response output 137 of each auxiliary control unit 130, 132, 134 may be communicated to a corresponding vehicle interface component or controller, in order to implement a corresponding vehicle response action.
- the vehicle response action may seek to mitigate (e.g., reduce the energy of a potential collision to below a threshold where human injury or death may result) or avoid a collision.
- the predefined vehicle response action can correspond to one of (i) a single action or action type (e.g., braking or steering), (ii) a single action or action type of a magnitude (e.g., brake pressure), duration or other characteristic (e.g., maneuvering of steering mechanism) as selected by the control unit 130, 132, 134 in operation, or (iii) multiple possible types of actions, or combinations of actions, of attributes which can be set through determinations of the control unit 130, 132, 134. Accordingly, the control units 130, 132, 134 provide a finite set of possible vehicle responses when activated or triggered.
- a single action or action type e.g., braking or steering
- a single action or action type of a magnitude e.g., brake pressure
- duration or other characteristic e.g., maneuvering of steering mechanism
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can incorporate a variety of different design aspects or attributes for purpose of emphasizing or optimizing for reliability. By optimizing for reliability, the safety objective of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 is preserved.
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can be based on a hardware (or firmware) architecture, or alternatively, reliable software architectures which eliminate or minimize dynamic memory allocation.
- the architecture of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can also minimize programmatic characteristics such as interrupts, pointers, or global variables.
- Other aspects for implementation of auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can provide for parallel redundancy within the same component or module.
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 are designed or optimized for reliability, so that either the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134, or critical components of the respective control units, satisfy a predetermined reliability metric (e.g., number of failures per 10EXP5 events is less than a threshold number). Further still, in some implementations, one or more of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 satisfy the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) definition for safety or reliability.
- ASIL Automotive Safety Integrity Level
- the AV control sub-system 120 can utilize specific sensor resources in order to intelligently operate the vehicle in most common driving situations.
- the AV control sub-system 120 can operate the vehicle 10 by autonomously steering, accelerating and braking the vehicle 10 as the vehicle progresses to a destination.
- the AV control sub-system 120 can perform vehicle control actions (e.g., braking, steering, accelerating) and route planning using sensor information, as well as other inputs (e.g., transmissions from remote or local human operators, network communication from other vehicles, etc.).
- the one or more control units 130, 132, 134 operate independent of the AV control sub-system 120.
- the control units 130, 132, 134 can be integrated into the vehicle 10 as failsafes, for (i) conditions or events that may be missed or mishandled by the AV control sub-system 120, and/or (ii) conditions or events which may arise if the AV control sub-system 120 malfunctions. While they auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 may lack sufficient sensors and intelligence to independently operate the vehicle autonomously, examples recognize that such devices can be reliable and provide redundancy for specific situations where redundancy benefits safety. In this way, the control units 130, 132, 134 can be implemented as designated or dedicated resources that serve to prevent an unwanted outcome (e.g., collision with object in front of vehicle, dangerous lane change, etc.).
- the AV control sub-system 120 includes a computer or processing system which operates to process sensor information on the vehicle in order to interface and control the vehicle 10.
- the AV control sub-system 120 can include other functionality, such as wireless communication capabilities, to send and/or receive wireless communications with one or more remote sources.
- the AV control sub-system 120 can issue instructions and data which programmatically controls various electromechanical interfaces of the vehicle 10. The instructions can serve to control aspects of the vehicle in motion, including propulsion, braking, steering, and auxiliary behavior (e.g., turning lights on).
- the autonomous vehicle 10 can be equipped with multiple types of sensors 101, 103, 105, which combine to provide a computerized perception of the space and environment surrounding the vehicle 10.
- the AV control sub-system 120 can operate within the autonomous vehicle 10 to receive sensor data from the collection of sensors, and to control various electromechanical interfaces for operating the vehicle on roadways.
- the sensors 101, 103, 105 operate to collectively obtain a complete sensor view of the vehicle 10, and further obtain information about what is near the vehicle, as well as what is near or in front of a path of travel for the vehicle.
- the sensors 101, 103, 105 include multiple sets of cameras sensors 101 (video camera, stereoscopic pairs of cameras or depth perception cameras, long range cameras), remote detection sensors 103 such as provided by radar or Lidar, proximity or touch sensors 105, and/or sonar sensors (not shown).
- the sensor interfaces 110, 112, 114 can include logic, such as provided with hardware and/or programming, to process sensor data 99 from a respective sensor 101, 103, 105.
- the processed sensor data 99 can be outputted as sensor data 111.
- the AV control sub-system 120 can also include integrated include logic for processing raw or pre-processed sensor data 99.
- the controller(s) 84 generate control signals 119 from the command input 85 for one or more of the vehicle interfaces 92, 94, 96, 98, so as to control propulsion, steering, braking and other vehicle behavior while the autonomous vehicle 10 follows a route.
- the controller(s) 84 can continuously adjust and alter the movement of the vehicle in response to receiving the sensor data 111. Absent events or conditions which affect the confidence of the vehicle in safely progressing on the route, the AV control sub-system 120 can generate additional instructional input 85 from which the controller(s) 84 process sensor data 111 to generate various vehicle control signals 119 for the different interfaces of the vehicle interface system 90.
- the AV control sub-system 120 includes event determination logic 124, route planning logic 126 and auxiliary services 128.
- the event determination logic 124 operates to detect events or conditions which have lowered levels of confidence in terms of the vehicle's understanding.
- event determination logic 124 can generate a confidence score or value for individual events or conditions which are detected from sensor data 111. The confidence score or value can correlate to an indication of how safely the vehicle 10 is able to handle the event or condition.
- the confidence score as determined by event determination logic 124 can be relatively high, meaning the AV control sub-system 120 has a confident understanding of what the event or condition is, and also on how to respond (e.g., ignore the event, change lanes if possible, etc.) to the event.
- the event determination logic 124 can determine when an event or condition results in a confidence value that is below a threshold.
- the threshold can be selected by implementation or design to signify the point where the understanding of the AV control sub-system 120 of the event or condition, and/or the action that should be undertaken by the autonomous vehicle 10, is too low for reliance.
- the route determination logic 126 can determine the route for the autonomous vehicle, and further determine one or more trajectories 153 for the vehicle 10 in completing a route.
- the route can be determined from, for example, a human passenger.
- the trajectory can reflect an immediate segment of the route, including the current and future vehicle pose, lane position, and speed.
- the route determination logic 126 can repeatedly determine the trajectory 153 as a failsafe that is preplanned for a duration of time in the future (e.g., 5-15 seconds), in order to maintain vehicle safety in the event the AV control sub-system 120 fails (e.g., controller shuts down, cataclysmic failure).
- the implementation of the trajectory 153 can, for example, one, or a combination of action that include lane keeping (including velocity keeping), braking, and steering (e.g., pulling over).
- Each of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can generate a vehicle response output 137 automatically, upon detecting a particular sensor condition.
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 generate the vehicle response output 137 using resources which are integrated with or dedicated for the respective control unit.
- the vehicle response output 137 of each control unit 130, 132, 134 can be different, and based on the desired actions that are to be performed by the vehicle when a given event or condition is encountered.
- the vehicle response output 137 of a given auxiliary control unit 130, 132, 134 can be predefined in that it may correspond to (i) a single action performed in a given way (e.g., apply brakes with as much magnitude as possible continuously), (ii) a single action which can be performed in one of multiple possible ways (e.g., apply brakes at pressure determined from sensor input), and/or (iii) a select action, or combination of actions, based on sensor input and a determination by one or more of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134.
- a single action performed in a given way e.g., apply brakes with as much magnitude as possible continuously
- a single action which can be performed in one of multiple possible ways e.g., apply brakes at pressure determined from sensor input
- a select action, or combination of actions based on sensor input and a determination by one or more of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134.
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can generate the vehicle response output 137 to be subject to a feedback control.
- one of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can be triggered to initiate a steering maneuver which is to satisfy a given criteria of the control unit.
- the steering maneuver can result in the auxiliary control unit 130, 132, 134 using independent sensor input (e.g., forward facing camera and side camera) to pull the vehicle to the side of the road in the event of a cataclysmic event where the AV control sub-system 120 is disabled.
- the specific maneuvering may not be known prior to the occurrence of the event or condition, but the type of action (e.g., steering) and/or the desired outcome (e.g., move vehicle 10 to the side of the road) may be determined by the auxiliary control unit 130, 132, 134, that responds to the sensed event or condition.
- the type of action e.g., steering
- the desired outcome e.g., move vehicle 10 to the side of the road
- the vehicle response output 137 signaled from each auxiliary control unit 130, 132, 134 can be incorporated as predefined functionality of that control unit.
- the vehicle response output 137 is set so that there is no variation.
- the vehicle response output 137 from one control unit 130 may provide that when the control unit senses a predetermined condition or event (e.g., object in front of vehicle was collision probability), the vehicle 10 must come to a complete stop as soon as possible. The control unit 130 may thus interact with the brake interface 96 until the corresponding sensor 131 census of the vehicle has come to a stop.
- the particular action that is specified with the vehicle response output 137 can be conditioned for duration and/or magnitude.
- the auxiliary control unit 130, 132, 134 may generate the vehicle response output 137 of braking until the vehicle either comes to a complete stop, or until the sense condition (e.g., obstruction in front of vehicle) is detected as being alleviated or nonexistent.
- the vehicle response output 137 may specify an action that may vary between a hard or moderate brake depending on design and implementation of the particular auxiliary control unit 130, 132, 134.
- the type of action required from the vehicle 10 can also vary.
- the auxiliary control unit 130 may detect from the brakes of the vehicle 10 (or from the Onboard Diagnostic information) that the brakes or wet or worn, and in response, perform an alternative braking action such as pulsing the brakes before applying a hard and steady force to the brakes.
- the auxiliary control unit 130, 132, 134 can generate the vehicle response output 137 to specify multiple types of vehicle actions.
- the action specified by the vehicle response output 137 of the vehicle 10 may be responsive to an event or condition of the control unit 130 that includes (i) apply braking, (ii) steering (e.g., veer the vehicle 10 to the side of the road), and (iii) light operation (e.g., turn emergency lights on).
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can detect multiple conditions or events, or alternatively multiple aspects of a predetermined condition or event (e.g., level traffic, vehicle speed, weather etc.), and then select or determine the vehicle response output 137 by type and/or magnitude, based on the detected condition or condition aspect.
- a predetermined condition or event e.g., level traffic, vehicle speed, weather etc.
- the activated control unit 130 can include a table that specifies the type of action is to be performed, as well as the magnitude or result of such action, based on the detected event or condition.
- one or more of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can cause the corresponding vehicle response output 137 to be performed or sustained until another condition or event occurs.
- the condition or event that deactivates the auxiliary control unit(s) 130, 132, 134 and returns control to the AV control sub-system 120 can correspond to (i) the triggering event or condition clearing (e.g., imminent collision object is no longer present), or (ii) to the vehicle 10 achieving a desired operational state (e.g., vehicle slows down substantially or comes to a stop).
- one of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can provide a dedicated failsafe response to a condition or event in which the AV control sub-system 120 malfunctions.
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can monitor 125 for the health of the AV control sub-system 120 and generate a predetermined response output 137 for respective vehicle interfaces 90-98 should the health status of the AV control sub-system 120 indicate a malfunction.
- health logic 145 can be integrated or coupled with the auxiliary control unit 130 to determine when the AV control sub-system 120 is malfunctioning.
- the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can operate to generate the desired vehicle state, in variations; the resulting vehicle response output 137 can generate a sensed action that results in the AV control sub-system 120 performing an alternative vehicle response for ultimately handling the situation.
- the vehicle response output 137 from one or more of the control units 130, 132, 134 may be to slow down sharply until the vehicle is stopped or until the vehicle steers to the side of road.
- the AV control sub-system 120 can detect a sudden brake from one of the control units 130, 132, 134 and automatically (i) determine (from the activated condition of the particular control unit 130) what the condition or event may be, and (ii) perform a complementary action to the vehicle response output 137.
- control unit 130 may activate to perform a sudden brake, and the AV control sub-system 120 may detect the activation of a specific auxiliary control unit 130, and perform a complementary action of steering to the side of the road, requesting remote assistance (e.g., via auxiliary service 128) and/or switching on hazard lights.
- auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 can operate in a mode or configuration to override or bypass the AV control sub-system 120
- an additional logical component can be utilized to plan for the use of the vehicle response output 137 from one or more auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134 should such output be generated from any one of the control units.
- the AV control sub-system 120 can include low confidence indicators for a particular situation or environment, and a component such as the controller 84 can implement the logic to discard or bypass the command input from the AV control sub-system 120 in favor of the vehicle response output 137 from an activated one of the control units 130, 132, 134.
- the vehicle 10 can include operational features (or devices) referred to as vehicle control interfaces 202, 204, 206.
- vehicle control interfaces 202, 204, 206 may include braking 202 (front or back), shifter 204, and steering 206.
- the operational features shown are only examples, and more or fewer operational features of the vehicle 10 can be utilized with variations to examples as described.
- the operational facets are represented by interfaces which can be commanded or otherwise controlled by individual control systems of the vehicle 10.
- the AV control 225 can be implemented using the processing resources 220 (e.g., shown located in the trunk of the vehicle 10), separate and independent of the control units 230, 232.
- one or more of the auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134, 230, 232 can continuously operate to monitor for and detect a predefined condition or event (320).
- auxiliary control units 130, 132, 134, 230, 232 can process sensor data from respective sensor devices, using the current location of the vehicle (322) and/or one or more planned locations of the vehicle (324).
- the one or more planned locations of the vehicle 324 may correspond to, for example, the planned trajectory 153 of the AV control sub-system 120.
- the one or more planned locations can be communicated by the AV control sub-system 120 as trajectory data 155.
- the operation of the control units 130, 132, 134, 230, 232 can be such that the condition or event that is detected necessarily raises a significant safety risk.
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Description
- Examples described herein relate to autonomous vehicles, and more specifically, to an automated vehicle with an independent bypass response.
- Autonomous vehicles refer to vehicles which replace human drivers with sensors and computer-implemented intelligence, sensors and other automation technology. Under existing technology, autonomous vehicles can readily handle driving with other vehicles on roadways such as highways. However, urban settings can pose challenges to autonomous vehicles, in part because crowded conditions can cause errors in interpretation of sensor information.
DE 10 2013 213171 A1 relates to a method and a device for operating a motor vehicle in an automated driving mode, in which a standard trajectory is ascertained which implements a vehicle control according to the destination setting specified by the driver and the current environment situation, and a safety trajectory is ascertained which implements safe stopping of the vehicle in the event of an emergency as a function of the current vehicle environment situation. -
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FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a control system for operating an autonomous vehicle. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an autonomous vehicle that is configured to operate using multiple independent control systems. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an example method for operating an autonomous vehicle. - According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an autonomous vehicle as set out in
claim 1. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control system for an autonomous vehicle as set out in claim 12. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an autonomous vehicle as set out in claim 13 that comprises the control system according to the second aspect. Other embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
Examples described include an autonomous vehicle which includes multiple independent control systems that provide redundancy as to specific and critical safety situations which may be encountered when the autonomous vehicle is in operation. - In some examples, an autonomous vehicle includes a set of vehicle interfaces, an autonomous control system, and a bypass control unit. The set of vehicle interfaces may be provided or associated with at least one vehicle control device or feature (e.g., brake, steering, shifter) of the vehicle. The autonomous control system includes multiple sensors of different types, as well as processing resources which selectively operate and control the vehicle in normal operational conditions. When the vehicle is in operation, the processing resources can operate to receive input signals from individual sensors of the multiple sensors, (ii) determine, from the input signals, an action or state of the vehicle based on the input signals, and (iii) signal one or more control parameters corresponding to the determined action or state to a corresponding one or more of the vehicle interfaces of the set. The vehicle can also include a bypass control unit, which operates independently of the autonomous control system, to detect a specific set of conditions or events, and to implement a predetermined response to the detected condition or event using a preselected vehicle interface of the set of vehicle interfaces.
- One or more aspects described herein provide that methods, techniques and actions performed by a computing device are performed programmatically, or as a computer-implemented method. Programmatically means through the use of code, or computer-executable instructions. A programmatically performed step may or may not be automatic.
- One or more aspects described herein may be implemented using programmatic modules or components. A programmatic module or component may include a program, a subroutine, a portion of a program, a software component, or a hardware component capable of performing one or more stated tasks or functions. In addition, a module or component can exist on a hardware component independently of other modules or components. Alternatively, a module or component can be a shared element or process of other modules, programs or machines.
- Furthermore, one or more aspects described herein may be implemented through the use of instructions that are executable by one or more processors. These instructions may be carried on a computer-readable medium. Machines shown or described with figures below provide examples of processing resources and computer-readable mediums on which instructions for implementing some aspects can be carried and/or executed. In particular, the numerous machines shown in some examples include processor(s) and various forms of memory for holding data and instructions. Examples of computer-readable mediums include permanent memory storage devices, such as hard drives on personal computers or servers. Other examples of computer storage mediums include portable storage units, such as CD or DVD units, flash or solid state memory (such as carried on many cell phones and consumer electronic devices) and magnetic memory. Computers, terminals, network enabled devices (e.g., mobile devices such as cell phones) are all examples of machines and devices that utilize processors, memory, and instructions stored on computer-readable mediums. Additionally, aspects may be implemented in the form of computer programs.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a control system for operating an autonomous vehicle. In an example ofFIG. 1 , acontrol system 100 is used to autonomously operate avehicle 10 in a given geographic region for a variety of purposes, including transport services (e.g., transport of humans, delivery operations, etc.). In examples described, an autonomously driven vehicle can operate without human action which would otherwise operate the vehicle. For example, in the context of automobiles, an autonomously driven vehicle can steer, accelerate, shift, brake and operate lighting components. Some variations also recognize that an autonomous-capable vehicle can be operated either autonomously or manually. - With reference to an example of
FIG. 1 , thevehicle 10 includes multiple independent control systems to provide different levels of functionality and/or autonomy for thevehicle 10, based on existence or non-existence of predefined conditions or events. In particular, examples provide for thevehicle 10 to include a primary control system (e.g., AV CCS 120) and one or more auxiliary control units (e.g.,controllers - As an addition or alternative, one or more auxiliary control units are operable in order to implement trajectory verification for the primary control system. For example, the primary control system may provide input for the auxiliary control units, corresponding to any one or more of (i) a current location of the vehicle; (ii) multiple possible locations of the vehicle along a planned or projected location of the vehicle a short time in the future (e.g., 5-15 seconds in the future); (iii) a possible but improbable location of the vehicle in the future (e.g., failsafe trajectory locations as calculated by the primary control system); and/or (v) multiple possible locations of the vehicle as anticipated by the primary control system based on one or more possible conditions or events. The auxiliary control unit(s) may operate independently to process the alternative vehicle location input (including the vehicle's position at one or more points in time in the future) in order to determine whether the sensors utilized by that controller generate an alert (e.g., potential vehicle collision). The auxiliary control units may signal back a response that can be binary (e.g., alert/no alert). In variations, the auxiliary control unit(s) may signal back a response that can include a warning and/or data that identifies a hazard or potential hazard. Still further, the auxiliary control unit(s) may signal back an instruction or instructive action on a vehicle action, depending on whether the auxiliary control unit determines there exists a hazard (e.g., "brake moderately").
- When operated to implement a bypass or failsafe operation, one or more auxiliary control unit may be configured to provide an avoidance or mitigation vehicle response to one or more predefined conditions or events. The particular predefined conditions or events can correspond to predefined conditions or events which reflect an imminent safety concern. When the
autonomous vehicle 10 operates as expected, it may be the case that such conditions or events are not encountered, or encountered very infrequently, so that the ultimate control of the vehicle only resides with one control system which enables the autonomous operation. However, in some examples, when a safety condition arises, a corresponding auxiliary control unit may determine the vehicle response, independent of the control system of the autonomous vehicle. Thus, an example ofFIG. 1 provides for multiple independent control systems which provide redundancy for specific events or conditions which may impact the safety of passengers or persons nearby. In one aspect, thecontrol system 100 of thevehicle 10 includes an autonomous vehicle (AV)control sub-system 120, and one or moreauxiliary control units auxiliary control units AV control sub-system 120 and of each other. In some examples, thecontrol units vehicle response output 137 that corresponds to a predefined vehicle response action in the event that a predetermined condition or event is detected by the respective control unit. - When operated in a trajectory verification mode, the
AV control sub-system 120 may continuously calculate one ormore trajectories 153, and then communicate data about one or more planned trajectories ("trajectory data 155") to at least onecontrol unit trajectory data 155 may include future (e.g., 1 second ahead, 5 seconds ahead) location points of thevehicle 10 along the planned trajectory. Thecontrol units trajectory data 155 to determine an anticipatedvehicle response output 137. The anticipatedvehicle response output 137 is communicated to theAV control subsystem 120, which then processes the output to verify or select a primary trajectory of thevehicle 10. Thevehicle response output 137 can be received and processed by theAV control sub-system 120 as a priority input, so as, for example, to supersede a determination of theAV control sub-system 120 that the planned trajectory 153 (e.g., path of vehicle for 5-15 seconds in the future) is safe. In variations, thevehicle response output 137 can be received and processed by theAV control sub-system 120 to weight factors for or against the selection of aplanned trajectory 153 as being the safest. - When operated in a trajectory verification mode, the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 based on sensor data generated fromsensors respective sensors vehicle response output 137 of eachauxiliary control unit - Depending on the design and implementation of the
control unit control unit control unit control units - In variations, the
auxiliary control units auxiliary control units auxiliary control units auxiliary control units auxiliary control units auxiliary control units auxiliary control units auxiliary control units - In one implementation, the
AV control sub-system 120 can utilize specific sensor resources in order to intelligently operate the vehicle in most common driving situations. For example, theAV control sub-system 120 can operate thevehicle 10 by autonomously steering, accelerating and braking thevehicle 10 as the vehicle progresses to a destination. TheAV control sub-system 120 can perform vehicle control actions (e.g., braking, steering, accelerating) and route planning using sensor information, as well as other inputs (e.g., transmissions from remote or local human operators, network communication from other vehicles, etc.). - According to examples, the one or
more control units AV control sub-system 120. Thecontrol units vehicle 10 as failsafes, for (i) conditions or events that may be missed or mishandled by theAV control sub-system 120, and/or (ii) conditions or events which may arise if theAV control sub-system 120 malfunctions. While theyauxiliary control units control units - In an example of
FIG. 1 , theAV control sub-system 120 includes a computer or processing system which operates to process sensor information on the vehicle in order to interface and control thevehicle 10. In some variations, theAV control sub-system 120 can include other functionality, such as wireless communication capabilities, to send and/or receive wireless communications with one or more remote sources. In controlling the vehicle, theAV control sub-system 120 can issue instructions and data which programmatically controls various electromechanical interfaces of thevehicle 10. The instructions can serve to control aspects of the vehicle in motion, including propulsion, braking, steering, and auxiliary behavior (e.g., turning lights on). - Examples recognize that urban driving environments pose significant challenges to autonomous vehicles. In urban environments, events such as road construction, public events, road obstructions, and emergencies continuously demand responses which are sometimes unpredictable or unique. Accordingly, examples provided herein recognize that the effectiveness of autonomous vehicles in urban settings can be limited by the limitations of autonomous vehicles in recognizing and understanding how to handle the numerous daily events of a congested environment.
- The
autonomous vehicle 10 can be equipped with multiple types ofsensors vehicle 10. Likewise, theAV control sub-system 120 can operate within theautonomous vehicle 10 to receive sensor data from the collection of sensors, and to control various electromechanical interfaces for operating the vehicle on roadways. - In more detail, the
sensors vehicle 10, and further obtain information about what is near the vehicle, as well as what is near or in front of a path of travel for the vehicle. By way of example, thesensors remote detection sensors 103 such as provided by radar or Lidar, proximity ortouch sensors 105, and/or sonar sensors (not shown). - Each of the
sensors corresponding sensor interface sensors vehicle 10. The sensor interfaces 110, 112, 114 can include a dedicated processing resource, such as provided with a field programmable gate array ("FPGA") which receives and/or processes raw image data from the camera sensor. In some examples, the sensor interfaces 110, 112, 114 can include logic, such as provided with hardware and/or programming, to processsensor data 99 from arespective sensor sensor data 99 can be outputted assensor data 111. As an addition or variation, theAV control sub-system 120 can also include integrated include logic for processing raw orpre-processed sensor data 99. - According to one implementation, the
vehicle interface system 90 can include or control multiple vehicle interfaces, including apropulsion interface 92, asteering interface 94, abraking interface 96, and lighting/auxiliary interface 98. Thevehicle interface system 90 and/orAV control sub-system 120 can include one ormore controllers 84 which receivecommand input 85 from theAV control sub-system 120. Thecommand input 85 can includeroute information 87 and one or moreoperational parameters 89 which specify an operational state of the vehicle (e.g., desired speed and pose, acceleration, etc.). The controller(s) 84 generatecontrol signals 119 from thecommand input 85 for one or more of the vehicle interfaces 92, 94, 96, 98, so as to control propulsion, steering, braking and other vehicle behavior while theautonomous vehicle 10 follows a route. Thus, while thevehicle 10 may follow a route, the controller(s) 84 can continuously adjust and alter the movement of the vehicle in response to receiving thesensor data 111. Absent events or conditions which affect the confidence of the vehicle in safely progressing on the route, theAV control sub-system 120 can generate additionalinstructional input 85 from which the controller(s) 84process sensor data 111 to generate various vehicle control signals 119 for the different interfaces of thevehicle interface system 90. - In an example, the
AV control sub-system 120 includesevent determination logic 124,route planning logic 126 andauxiliary services 128. Theevent determination logic 124 operates to detect events or conditions which have lowered levels of confidence in terms of the vehicle's understanding. In one implementation,event determination logic 124 can generate a confidence score or value for individual events or conditions which are detected fromsensor data 111. The confidence score or value can correlate to an indication of how safely thevehicle 10 is able to handle the event or condition. For example, if the event corresponds to the occurrence of rain, or the appearance of a large pothole in the road, the confidence score as determined byevent determination logic 124 can be relatively high, meaning theAV control sub-system 120 has a confident understanding of what the event or condition is, and also on how to respond (e.g., ignore the event, change lanes if possible, etc.) to the event. Theevent determination logic 124 can determine when an event or condition results in a confidence value that is below a threshold. The threshold can be selected by implementation or design to signify the point where the understanding of theAV control sub-system 120 of the event or condition, and/or the action that should be undertaken by theautonomous vehicle 10, is too low for reliance. - The
route determination logic 126 can determine the route for the autonomous vehicle, and further determine one ormore trajectories 153 for thevehicle 10 in completing a route. The route can be determined from, for example, a human passenger. The trajectory can reflect an immediate segment of the route, including the current and future vehicle pose, lane position, and speed. In some variations, theroute determination logic 126 can repeatedly determine thetrajectory 153 as a failsafe that is preplanned for a duration of time in the future (e.g., 5-15 seconds), in order to maintain vehicle safety in the event theAV control sub-system 120 fails (e.g., controller shuts down, cataclysmic failure). As a failsafe, the implementation of thetrajectory 153 can, for example, one, or a combination of action that include lane keeping (including velocity keeping), braking, and steering (e.g., pulling over). - The
auxiliary service 128 can include functionality for enabling remote-assistance for purpose of facilitating theAV control sub-system 120 to resolve unknown events or conditions. Theauxiliary service 128 can generate anevent request 121 from a remote service if theevent determination logic 124 determines that a planned or likely action to an event or condition has a relatively low confidence score. For example, thevehicle 10 may plan to swerve left for safety, but thesensor data 111 may see loose dirt in the open space, resulting in uncertainty as to whether the planned or likely maneuver is safe. Theauxiliary service 128 can communicate theevent request 121 to one or more network services, which can provide assistance in the form of, for example, remote input for classifying the unknown condition or event. - According to some examples, the
auxiliary control units auxiliary control units auxiliary control units auxiliary control units - Each of the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 automatically, upon detecting a particular sensor condition. According to one aspect, theauxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 using resources which are integrated with or dedicated for the respective control unit. Thevehicle response output 137 of eachcontrol unit vehicle response output 137 of a givenauxiliary control unit auxiliary control units - When operated to implement a failsafe or bypass, the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 to be subject to a feedback control. For example, one of theauxiliary control units auxiliary control unit AV control sub-system 120 is disabled. Thus, the specific maneuvering may not be known prior to the occurrence of the event or condition, but the type of action (e.g., steering) and/or the desired outcome (e.g., movevehicle 10 to the side of the road) may be determined by theauxiliary control unit - Some examples provide that the
vehicle response output 137 signaled from eachauxiliary control unit AV control sub-system 120 for trajectory verification, to vehicle interface components for bypass/failsafe action) can be incorporated as predefined functionality of that control unit. In such implementations, some variations provide that thevehicle response output 137 is set so that there is no variation. For example, thevehicle response output 137 from onecontrol unit 130 may provide that when the control unit senses a predetermined condition or event (e.g., object in front of vehicle was collision probability), thevehicle 10 must come to a complete stop as soon as possible. Thecontrol unit 130 may thus interact with thebrake interface 96 until thecorresponding sensor 131 census of the vehicle has come to a stop. - In other variations, the particular action that is specified with the
vehicle response output 137 can be conditioned for duration and/or magnitude. For example, in the preceding example, theauxiliary control unit vehicle response output 137 of braking until the vehicle either comes to a complete stop, or until the sense condition (e.g., obstruction in front of vehicle) is detected as being alleviated or nonexistent. - Still further, the
vehicle response output 137 may specify an action that may vary between a hard or moderate brake depending on design and implementation of the particularauxiliary control unit vehicle 10 can also vary. For example, if theauxiliary control unit 130 is to generate a hard brake, the type of braking application that is performed can be selected based on factors detected by the sensor set 131 of thecontrol unit 130. As another example, theauxiliary control unit 130 may detect from the brakes of the vehicle 10 (or from the Onboard Diagnostic information) that the brakes or wet or worn, and in response, perform an alternative braking action such as pulsing the brakes before applying a hard and steady force to the brakes. - Still further, the
auxiliary control unit vehicle response output 137 to specify multiple types of vehicle actions. For example, the action specified by thevehicle response output 137 of thevehicle 10 may be responsive to an event or condition of thecontrol unit 130 that includes (i) apply braking, (ii) steering (e.g., veer thevehicle 10 to the side of the road), and (iii) light operation (e.g., turn emergency lights on). - In some variations, the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 by type and/or magnitude, based on the detected condition or condition aspect. For example, the activatedcontrol unit 130 can include a table that specifies the type of action is to be performed, as well as the magnitude or result of such action, based on the detected event or condition. - One or more of the
auxiliary control units AV control sub-system 120 can perform various operations to determine a trajectory for thevehicle 10, and to implement the determined trajectory by communicating control parameters for operation of the vehicle to control devices and interfaces, represented byvehicle interface 90. In some examples, more urgent or critical feedback from the vehicle can be detected and handled by one or more of theauxiliary control units auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 to one or more vehicle interfaces of thevehicle 10. Thevehicle response output 137 may identify a vehicle action or state for a corresponding vehicle control device or interface. - The
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 to theAV control sub-system 120 of thevehicle 10. In such implementations, theauxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 usingtrajectory input 155, as well as sensor input from, for example, a corresponding sensor that is used by that control unit. For example, theauxiliary control unit vehicle response output 137 based on the future location of the vehicle along the plannedtrajectory 153 Thevehicle response output 137 can be communicated repeatedly to, for example, verify thetrajectory 153, which in turn may be repeatedly or continuously calculated by theAV control sub-system 120. TheAV control sub-system 120 may use a vehicle action or state (if any) as provided by the vehicle state output to verify, for example, that the plannedtrajectory 153 of thevehicle 10 is safe. - Still further, in variations, the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 to theAV control sub-system 120 as a response to the auxiliary control units detecting (from sensor data ofrespective sensors AV control sub-system 120 may then determine or recalculate thetrajectory 153 of the vehicle to, for example, avoid or mitigate a collision. - Accordingly, in some examples, the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 based on a detected event or condition. When the specific condition of eachcontrol unit individual control units vehicle response output 137 to theAV control sub-system 120, or to one or more vehicle interface components. Thevehicle response output 137 may specify a predefined (and possibly selected) action or combination of actions (e.g., braking, braking and switching the vehicle off, braking and steering, steering only). In some variations, one or more of theauxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 to be performed or sustained until another condition or event occurs. Furthermore, the condition or event that deactivates the auxiliary control unit(s) 130, 132, 134 and returns control to theAV control sub-system 120 can correspond to (i) the triggering event or condition clearing (e.g., imminent collision object is no longer present), or (ii) to thevehicle 10 achieving a desired operational state (e.g., vehicle slows down substantially or comes to a stop). - According to examples, the
auxiliary control units AV control sub-system 120. Thus, for example, thecontrol units AV control sub-system 120. Thecontrol units auxiliary control units vehicle 10. Theauxiliary control units AV control sub-system 120. In this way, theauxiliary control units - In an example of
FIG. 1 , theauxiliary control units respective vehicle interface - In some variations, the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 to thecontroller 84 or other vehicle interface of the vehicle. In either implementation, thevehicle response output 137 can take priority over any other control signal generated from theAV control sub-system 120. For example, thevehicle response output 137 can correspond to an analog signal that is communicated directly to one of the vehicle interfaces 92, 94, 96, 98 which is to be controlled by the response of theparticular control unit vehicle 10, such as theAV control sub-system 120 and one ormultiple control units - Alternatively, vehicle control mechanism such as the brakes, shifter, accelerator, or steering mechanism can be directly controlled through a separate electromechanical interface that is not accessible to the
AV control sub-system 120. In this way, theauxiliary control unit vehicle response output 137 directly onto the vehicle control mechanism where the desired vehicle action is to be performed. As another variation, thevehicle response output 137 can be signaled to thecontroller 84, which then provides a direct electromechanical interface with the respective vehicle interface 90-98. - With respect to examples of
FIG. 1 , thevehicle response output 137 from anauxiliary control unit vehicle 10 implementing a bypass ofcommand input 85, or other active control parameters provided through theAV control sub-system 120. When one of theauxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 are implemented on predetermined vehicle interfaces 92, 94, 96, 98 overcommand input 85 from theAV control sub-system 120. - In some examples, the vehicle interfaces 92, 94, 96, 98 are structured physically to prioritize the
vehicle response output 137 fromauxiliary control unit AV control sub-system 120. The result is that thevehicle response output 137 is implemented at least partially (e.g., emergency brake) without there being any programmatic or logical decision as to the appropriate vehicle response. Such implementation anticipates a worst-case scenario in which thevehicle 10 encounters an unknown environment in which the programming or logic causes thevehicle 10 to perform a possibly unsafe action. Still further, an example ofFIG .1 also anticipates situations in which theAV control sub-system 120 malfunctions (e.g., freezes, encounters a bug, etc.). Even if theAV control sub-system 120 becomes completely incapacitated because of cataclysmic event (e.g., software malfunction, external event),control units AV control sub-system 120, in order to bring the vehicle to a safe condition (e.g., part along right side). - In some variations, one of the
auxiliary control units AV control sub-system 120 malfunctions. For example, theauxiliary control units AV control sub-system 120 and generate apredetermined response output 137 for respective vehicle interfaces 90-98 should the health status of theAV control sub-system 120 indicate a malfunction. For example,health logic 145 can be integrated or coupled with theauxiliary control unit 130 to determine when theAV control sub-system 120 is malfunctioning. In response to a determination that theAV control sub-system 120 is not functioning properly, theauxiliary control unit 130 can trigger a predetermined action (as implemented through the vehicle response output 137) in which, depending on implementation, thevehicle 10 comes to a stop, or steers to the side of the road and then stops, or maintains its position in a lane of the road as the vehicle continues forward. - Still further, while the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 137 can generate a sensed action that results in theAV control sub-system 120 performing an alternative vehicle response for ultimately handling the situation. For example, thevehicle response output 137 from one or more of thecontrol units AV control sub-system 120 can detect a sudden brake from one of thecontrol units vehicle response output 137. For example, thecontrol unit 130 may activate to perform a sudden brake, and theAV control sub-system 120 may detect the activation of a specificauxiliary control unit 130, and perform a complementary action of steering to the side of the road, requesting remote assistance (e.g., via auxiliary service 128) and/or switching on hazard lights. - Still further, while examples provide for the
auxiliary control units AV control sub-system 120, an additional logical component can be utilized to plan for the use of thevehicle response output 137 from one or moreauxiliary control units AV control sub-system 120 can include low confidence indicators for a particular situation or environment, and a component such as thecontroller 84 can implement the logic to discard or bypass the command input from theAV control sub-system 120 in favor of thevehicle response output 137 from an activated one of thecontrol units AV control sub-system 120 can in some situations avoid issuingcommand input 85 when its own confidence score is below a threshold. In such situations, thecontrol system 100 may plan to use the output ofindividual control units sub-system 120. - While the
auxiliary control units control system 100 to have priority handling with respect to their outputs, variations may also designate the priority amongstspecific control units control system 100 may include logic or setting to prioritize the vehicle responses of two or more concurrently operatingauxiliary control units -
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an autonomous vehicle that is configured to operate using multiple independent control systems. In an example ofFIG. 2 , theautonomous vehicle 10 includesauxiliary control units vehicle 10 can also include an autonomous control system, implemented using a combination of processingresources 220 and associated sensors. Theprocessing resources 220 can be centralized, distributed and/or include resources dedicated for specific resources. In operation, theprocessing resources 220 can implement models, decision making algorithms, routing and trajectory determination, external communications and various other processes (collectively termed "AV control 225") as part of its normal operation. For example, image based sensing equipment can be positioned in various locations of the vehicle. A top of the vehicle canmultiple cameras 222 which collectively generate a 360° perspective of the vehicle. Thecameras 222 on the top of thevehicle 10 can include stereoscopic camera pairs, Lidar, video camera and/or other specialized image capturing devices. Additionally,radar type sensors 224, or other types of sensors, can be positioned in suitable locations about the vehicle 10 (e.g., front corner, side mirrors, rear bumper, etc.). For example, multiple radar sensors may be distributed about a perimeter of the vehicle. Additionally, additional cameras may be mounted to the exterior of the vehicle, or within an interior of the windshield. - The
vehicle 10 can include operational features (or devices) referred to as vehicle control interfaces 202, 204, 206. The vehicle control interfaces 202, 204, 206 may include braking 202 (front or back),shifter 204, andsteering 206. The operational features shown are only examples, and more or fewer operational features of thevehicle 10 can be utilized with variations to examples as described. In an example ofFIG. 2 , the operational facets are represented by interfaces which can be commanded or otherwise controlled by individual control systems of thevehicle 10. TheAV control 225 can be implemented using the processing resources 220 (e.g., shown located in the trunk of the vehicle 10), separate and independent of thecontrol units control units AV control 225. Thus, for example, theAV control 225 andcontrol units vehicle 10, including those vehicle interfaces that are to be controlled by the respective system or units. In some variations, theAV control 225 andcontrol units - According to some examples, the
processing resources 220 can include one or more processors, and/or programmatic and hardware interfaces which provide for control parameters, shown ascommands 219, to be continuously generated and signaled to the individual vehicle control interfaces 202, 204, 206 of thevehicle 10 as the vehicle operates autonomously. Thus, for example, thecommands 219 can be communicated from the processing resources 220 (and AV control 225) to the respective vehicle control interfaces 202, 204, 206. Theprocessing resources 220 may calculate one ormore trajectories 229 for the vehicle, and then implement thetrajectories 229 viacommands 219. Thetrajectories 229 may define one or multiple possible trajectories of the vehicle for a given future interval. For example, thetrajectories 229 can include one or more primary trajectories of the vehicle, and/or a failsafe trajectory which the vehicle is to implement in the event theAV control 225 has a cataclysmic failure. - Additionally, in an example shown, the
brake 202,shifter 204, and steering 206 can each be controlled by output of one of therespective control units AV control 225 issues the control commands 219 that are implemented by the operational features of thevehicle 10. In some examples, theAV control 225 communicates thetrajectory input 229 to one or more of theauxiliary control units vehicle response output 237. Theauxiliary control units vehicle response output 237 to theAV control 225. In this way,vehicle response output 237 may provide theAV control 225 with verification that one or more planned trajectories of thevehicle 10 are safe. - As an addition or variation, one or more of the
auxiliary control units vehicle response output 237 is communicated to components of the vehicle to implement a vehicle action (e.g., safety stop) or state. For example, theauxiliary control units auxiliary control units vehicle response output 237 generated by therespective control unit control units vehicle response output 237 as a bypass the control commands 219 of theAV control 225 when a particular event or condition is encountered. - Given the sensing resources of the
AV control 225, theAV control 225 can normally operate in a manner that anticipates roadway conditions which would otherwise trigger, for example, a bypass by theauxiliary control units vehicle response output 237 generated by thecontrol units AV control 225 malfunction or misinterpret a roadway event or condition. - In some examples, the
control units vehicle response output 237 to verify the trajectory determinations of theAV control 225. In such implementations, thecontrol units trajectory 229 and generate thevehicle response output 237 continuously, or repeatedly as the vehicle is operated by theAV control 225, in order to provide verification of the plannedtrajectory 229 that as calculated by theAV control 225. TheAV control 225 may determine, from thevehicle response output 237, that the calculatedprimary trajectory 229 will result in a collision. In such instances, theAV control 225 may receive and utilize thevehicle response output 237 to determine an alternative trajectory. Likewise, if theAV control 225 determines it is on a collision course, thevehicle response output 237 can identify a vehicle action which theAV control 225 can implement to avoid the collision, or to mitigate the collision (e.g., reduce the energy resulting from the collision). - In some variations, the
control units vehicle response output 237 may be communicated as commands to one or more vehicle interfaces to cause the vehicle to perform an action that will mitigate or avoid a collision. Still further, in other variations, thecontrol units vehicle 10 is safely operated. Likewise, in some variations, should theAV control 225 encounter a situation where it's reaction time is too slow or incorrect (e.g., previously unencountered situation), thecontrol units auxiliary control units vehicle response output 237 to theAV control 225. TheAV control 225 may then implement a specified action of thevehicle response output 237 as a priority. In variations, this can also be accomplished by thecontrol units vehicle response output 237 to one ormore control interfaces vehicle 10, to cause the vehicle to implement a trajectory that bypasses a previous command of theAV control 225. - In some variations,
numerous control units vehicle 10 to provide a variety of different responses for numerous kinds of situations which may be missed, mishandled or otherwise pose significant safety risk in the event of malfunction of theAV control 225. Thus, separate and independentauxiliary control units vehicle response output 237 for implementation by the vehicle, or communication to theAV control 225. In this way, thecontrol units vehicle 10 has a safe reaction to a variety of events, such as forward obstructions, side or lane obstructions, rear collisions, traffic lights, operations of internal components etc.sub-system 120 -
FIG. 3 illustrates an example method for operating an autonomous vehicle. In describing an example method ofFIG. 3 , reference may be made to elements ofFIG. 1 orFIG. 2 for purpose of illustrating a suitable component or element or performing a step or sub-step being described. In particular, with reference toFIG. 1 , an example method ofFIG. 3 can be implemented using thecontrol system 100. - With further reference to an example of
FIG. 3 , thevehicle 10 operates using the AV control sub-system 120 (310). For example, theAV control sub-system 120 can operate usingprocessing resources 220 of thevehicle 10 in order to continuously provide control commands to various operational features of thevehicle 10. At the same time,multiple control units AV control sub-system 120. Thecontrol units control units AV control sub-system 120 malfunctions, mishandles an event or condition, or otherwise is unfamiliar with the event or condition. Accordingly, the configuration and structure of thecontrol units - In an example of
FIG. 3 , one or more of theauxiliary control units auxiliary control units trajectory 153 of theAV control sub-system 120. With further reference to an example ofFIG. 1 , the one or more planned locations can be communicated by theAV control sub-system 120 astrajectory data 155. In either implementation, the operation of thecontrol units - The control unit(s) 130, 132, 134, 230, 232 can generate a
vehicle response output vehicle response output vehicle response output respective control unit control unit AV control sub-system 120 to detect failure (e.g., cataclysmic failure) of the vehicle's primary control system. In such examples, thevehicle response output control unit AV control sub-system 120. - In other examples, the
vehicle response output AV control sub-system 120 can continuously or repeatedly communicate with thecontrol units vehicle response output AV control sub-system 120 can use thevehicle response output AV control sub-system 120 can receive thevehicle response output control units AV control sub-system 120 can implement an action or determine an alternative trajectory based on thevehicle response output
Claims (13)
- A method for operating an autonomous vehicle (10), the method comprising:controlling the autonomous vehicle in operation using a primary control system (120) coupled to a first set of vehicle sensors (101, 103, 105) that monitor an environment outside the autonomous vehicle;determining, from a first sensor input (111) from the first set of vehicle sensors, a state of the environment;determining, based on the state of the environment, trajectory data (155) representing a planned future trajectory of the autonomous vehicle, the planned future trajectory comprising one or more future locations for the autonomous vehicle and for controlling a motion of the autonomous vehicle;operating an auxiliary control unit (130, 132, 134; 230, 232), coupled to a second set of vehicle sensors (131, 133, 135), different from the first set of vehicle sensors, that monitor the environment outside the autonomous vehicle, to detect a predefined condition or a predefined event;receiving, by the auxiliary control unit (130, 132, 134; 230, 232), the trajectory data (155) representing the planned future trajectory of the autonomous vehicle from the primary control system (120);
determining, by the auxiliary control unit (130, 132, 134; 230, 232), a trajectory verification by operating independently from the primary control system (120) to process the trajectory data (155) received from the primary control system (120) relative to a second sensor input from the second set of vehicle sensors (131, 133, 135);generating, using the auxiliary control unit (130, 132, 134; 230, 232), a vehicle response output (137; 237) based on the detected predefined condition or the predefined event, the second sensor input from the second set of vehicle sensors, and the trajectory data, wherein the vehicle response output is associated with the trajectory verification; andcommunicating, using the auxiliary control unit (130, 132, 134; 230, 232), the vehicle response output (137; 237) to the primary control system (120). - The method of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary control unit repeatedly communicates the vehicle response output to the primary control system while monitoring for the predefined condition or the predefined event.
- The method of claim 2, further comprising:
verifying, using the primary control unit, the planned future trajectory of the autonomous vehicle based on the vehicle response output. - The method of any of the above claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
generating, using the auxiliary control unit, the vehicle response output to specify one or more vehicle actions to one or more vehicle interfaces (92, 94, 96, 98) of the autonomous vehicle. - The method of claim 4, further comprising:
communicating, using the auxiliary control unit, the vehicle response output to a preselected vehicle interface of the autonomous vehicle to cause the autonomous vehicle to perform a predetermined vehicle action or achieve a predetermined vehicle state. - The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined vehicle action includes one or more of: (i) bringing the autonomous vehicle to a stop, (ii) bringing the autonomous vehicle to a particular velocity, (iii) maintaining the autonomous vehicle to move within a lane, (iv) steering the autonomous vehicle to a roadside stop, or (v) performing a lane change action.
- The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the preselected vehicle interface is configured to implement the predetermined vehicle action as a bypass to command input received from the primary control system.
- The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating, using the auxiliary control unit, the vehicle response output to implement one or more predetermined actions by the autonomous vehicle in response to detecting the predefined condition or the predefined event. - The method of claim 8, wherein generating, using the auxiliary control unit, the vehicle response output to implement one or more predetermined actions by the autonomous vehicle in response to detecting the predefined condition or the predefined event comprises:
generating, using the auxiliary control unit, the vehicle response output to signal a brake interface of the autonomous vehicle to perform an emergency stop, wherein the brake interface actuates a braking mechanism of the autonomous vehicle to come to a stop. - The method of claim 9, further comprising:
generating, using the auxiliary control unit, the vehicle response output to cause a multistep action to be performed by multiple control devices of the autonomous vehicle. - The method of claim 10, wherein the multiple control devices of the autonomous vehicle include: (i) the brake interface for a braking system of the autonomous vehicle, (ii) a steering interface for a steering system of the autonomous vehicle, (iii) an accelerator interface for an acceleration mechanism of the autonomous vehicle, (iv) a shift interface for a shift operator of the autonomous vehicle, (v) a light signal interface for a vehicle light, or (vi) an interface for a wireless communication port of the autonomous vehicle.
- A control system (100) for an autonomous vehicle (10), the control system comprising:a primary control system (120) to control the autonomous vehicle, including to: (i) receive a first sensor input (111) from a first set of vehicle sensors (101, 103, 105) that monitor an environment outside the autonomous vehicle, (ii) determine, from the first sensor input, a state of the environment, (iii) determine, based on the state of the environment, trajectory data (155) representing a planned future trajectory of the autonomous vehicle that comprises one or more future locations for the autonomous vehicle and is generated for controlling a motion of the autonomous vehicle, and (iv) generate, based on the trajectory data, one or more control parameters for controlling the autonomous vehicle; andan auxiliary control unit operating (130, 132, 134; 230, 232) to: (i) receive a second sensor input from a second set of vehicle sensors (131, 133, 135), different from the first set of vehicle sensors, that monitor the environment outside the autonomous vehicle, (ii) receive the trajectory data (155) representing the planned future trajectory of the autonomous vehicle from the primary control system (120), (iii) detect a predefined condition or a predefined event from the second sensor input, (iv) determine a trajectory verification by operating independently from the primary control system (120) to process the trajectory data (155) received from the primary control system (120) relative to the second sensor input from the second set of vehicle sensors (131, 133, 135); and (v) in response to detecting the predefined condition or the predefined event, generate a vehicle response output (137; 237) based at least in part on the second sensor input and the trajectory data, wherein the vehicle response output is associated with the trajectory verification;whereby the control system is arranged to operate according to the method of any of the claims 1 to 11.
- An autonomous vehicle comprising the control system of claim 12.
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